ϡ - Chapter Twenty; those who have gone missing [action/voice]

[folkloristic]

[ There's a clear strained sigh coming from the opposite end of the transmission. A few moments later some shuffling as someone moves about in the background. ] Frederic's been...taken. He, um, has been for awhile. I-I wasn't supposed to make anyone worry, I'm terribly sorry for not saying so sooner. [ There's a clear tone of guilt in his voice. It

Comments

[Voice]

[semper_cogitans]

[Frederic?

... Mr. Chopin?]

Helios, do you perhaps mean Frederic Chopin? I... heard he was here, from Doctor Faye-Ling. [That doesn't explain why Helios knew about it, but that information isn't currently relevant so Robert doesn't ask.]

And you say he's been taken? ... Presumably for experimentation? [Robert's tone is obviously disturbed. It takes him a moment to think of anything more to say - but his next sentence is a little... quiet, and slightly gentle.]

Is there... anything I may do to assist?

[Voice]

[folkloristic]

Yes you're correct on both accounts. [ Sigh. ]

Ah-- [ He notes the tone and is pretty grateful for it. ] --that's kinda of you to offer. If you'd like to stop by you're more than welcome to. Perhaps we can talk a bit more about your world? [ There is a lot they've yet to discuss about it. ]

Re: [Voice]

[semper_cogitans]

I would much like that, Helios. [In reality, it isn't just wanting to share Terran information - it's also that Robert doesn't want Helios to be sad. He doesn't know if he can really help Helios feel better - but he wants to at least attempt.]

Whereabouts is your home located?

[Voice]

[folkloristic]

Community housing seven floor five room twenty-two. I'll make some tea if you wouldn't be opposed that?

[VOICE]

[polishrule]

[Shocked silence. He needs to calm down before he says anything or does anything. But this has him terrified.]

How long has he been gone...?

And um, yeah. You can come over.

[VOICE]

[folkloristic]

[ He's sorry Poland, he hates having to say these things, but it had to be done. ]

Since last Saturday. I'll be there in a few minutes then.

[ And with that he will be making his way to the other's apartment. At least they're close, you'll have someone knocking on your door Poland a few minutes later. ]

[VOICE]

[polishrule]

[That long? How could he have not been told and--now he's just kind of mad that he didn't know because he'd been avoiding him and so much frustration.

But he does answer the door with a calm face. He's clearly not himself, but he doesn't look nearly as upset as he feels. He opens the door and lets him in.]

Hey. Um, like, do you know what the letter is about...?

[ACTION]

[folkloristic]

[ Helios will step inside unaware of the other's frustration or anger. He doesn't know Poland too well yet, but at least...he might be able to give him some comfort with this letter. He'll shake his head holding the letter out to the other to take. ]

I-I didn't read it. It didn't seem right to.

[Voice]

[lezareno_prez]

I'm sorry to hear that. Would you like me to stop by after work this evening? I would hate to let these leftover muffins go to waste, and there are far too many of them for Gelda and myself to eat on our own.

[Voice]

[folkloristic]

I'm sure he'll be back soon, he'd appreciate the sentiments. [ A pause and then a small hum. ]

It has been awhile hasn't it? I wouldn't mind that at all! I'll make us some tea as well.

audio;

[folkloristic]

[ Oh! This is a voice he wasn't expecting. ]

Frederic Chopin.

[Voice]

[wise_maiden]

It's all right. Sometimes worry can't be helped... and that situation is something that people should be aware of, isn't it?

[Voice]

[folkloristic]

Yes you're absolutely right. I just...went against his wishes. But it had to be done.

[Voice]

[wise_maiden]

Sometimes there are acceptable circumstances for that. Hiding it won't make it any easier for him or anyone else. Was it for... all this time that you've been teaching, then?

[Voice]

[folkloristic]

[ He might wince a little on his end and there's a substantial pause before he answers. ] I-I'm afraid so. I...should have said, I apologize for that. Saying he was taken ill was bad enough--but I don't think he wanted anyone to worry.